The Thompson Brothers of Bilston built three-wheeled cyclecars at their aircraft factory from 1919 to 1924. These accommodated two adults and a child, and were guaranteed to do 60 m.p.h.
A distant relative of the machines saw service as an aircraft refueler during WWII and these remained active at some airports into the 1990s. Of the 150 cyclecars constructed in the 1920s only one remains, but some 20 of the 3-wheeled refuelers exist in museums and collections around the world.
NOVEMBER 30th, 1922. Page 871
The Olympia Show.
T.B. (57.)
60 m.p.h. Three-wheeler.
8 H.P. Model.
85.5x85 mm. (976 c.c); V twin cyl. four-stroke; side-by-side valves; drip feed lubrication; Binks carburetter; chain-drive magneto; 3-sp. gear; clutch and band-starter; " shaft drive; 700x80 mm. tyres. Price £155.
Thompson Bros. (Bilston), Ltd., Bradley Eng. Works, Bilston.
The essential feature of any three-wheeler is its chassis design, this point having more bearing on the success of the vehicle than any other. In the T.B. chassis every possible weakness has been closely studied, and the result is a sound and satisfactory design. Rear springing is by semi-elliptical springs mounted on the cantilever principle, the front being of the quarter-elliptic type. All three wheels are interchangeable, the spare wheel being carried on the off side of the body. A big improvement, too, has been effected by the introduction of a ratchet brake acting on an external contracting band instead of the internal expanding type. In general appearance the T.B. is good, and there is a cleanness and finish about all the models which, adds distinction to a pleasing range. At £155 the standard air-cooled T.B. is an attractive proposition, while for an additional £10 a water-cooled engine can be fitted, as well as several refinements in detail. T.B. three-wheelers have done remarkably well in competitions, and those who favour a sports model can obtain one with the guarantee of 50 m.p.h. Its price is £175. Family men are also catered for with a model having a type of body known in the car world as the "clover leaf"; on the T.B. this arrangement gives accommodation for a child between and slightly behind the two normal occupants.
Sources: wikipedia.en, The Motor Cycle.
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